------Jason's POV------
The next day, we met at Topanga's to talk about some of the things we'd learned. I knew this would turn into comforting Riley, so I brought some lollipops I stole from her bowl yesterday.
"Do you guys know what goes on out there?" Riley started. "Climate change, poverty, war?"
Lucas nodded. "Yeah."
"This is the way the world is?" Riley asked.
"We try to keep it from you," Farkle said.
I sat up straighter. "Wait, what? You're still doing this?"
"Oh come on, Jason," Maya said. "You're one of the most practical people I know. Do you really think she stayed this innocent by herself for so long?"
"After yesterday, kinda." I couldn't believe them.
"You're all in on it?" Riley cut in.
Maya perked up. "The Riley Committee!"
"I think we established I was not part of this."
"I pay dues!" Farkle said.
"There are no dues-" Lucas started.
"Quiet!" Maya interrupted.
I shook my head in disbelief.
"It's worth it anyway, I think it's wonderful to have somebody among us who looks for the good in everything." Farkle said. I couldn't argue with them, it was nice, but they were setting Riley up to fail.
"Well, that's over," Riley stated.
"Why?" Lucas asked.
"What do you mean why, Lucas?" I responded, amazed he would need to ask. "Is she just expected to never change?"
"Of course not!"
"I've- I've seen things, I'm not simple Riley anymore."
"Riley, don't let reality change you," Farkle said.
"Yeah, reality's only as powerful as you let it be. Sometimes you can create your own reality, right me and Lucas in Hawaii?" Smackle stared at Lucas suggestingly, who stared back in a mix of confusion and horror.
"What the heck," I said.
"Smackle, inside-your-head voice," Farkle whispered to her. She nodded, before starting to hula while still staring at Lucas, who's jaw dropped when he saw.
Is this really happening?
"Knowing things changes you. I'm supposed to argue people are evil, and now I can. I have started my research, and I will continue down this dark journey that I can only call, 'Riley Matthews: Evil Person'."
Everyone besides me and Riley started to laugh. "What, you guys don't think I could be bad?"
"I hate to break it to you Riley, but while you may know more than you did before, knowing and acting are two very separate things," I said.
"Do the worst thing you can think of right now," Maya challenged.
Riley turned to Maya. "Hi to everybody but you." She covered her mouth in shock. I rolled my eyes as everyone chuckled again. "I'm sorry."
"It's ok, Riley," Maya assured her, before turning to the rest of us. "Guys, we're gonna be fine."
"Easy for you to say," I responded, crossing my arms and leaning back against my chair.
Zay suddenly rushed in and held up a cookie. "My cookie came!"
"I'm sorry, what?"
"Cookie day!" Lucas said excitedly.
YOU ARE READING
Girl Meets Closet
FanfictionAll Jason Anderson wanted was to get through history class. His life was hard enough as is. But when Mr. Matthews calls on him to share some thoughts, his life will change. For better or worse, he needs to be ready to take on the world.
